A facile approach to the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanohybrids

• A facile and effective method was reported to prepare MWCNT-POSS nanohybrids.
• A distinct change in surface morphology was evident with POSS functionalization.
• Covalent grafting of POSS onto MWCNTs was established through amide bonds.

A simple and effective technique is reported to prepare multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanohybrids. The approach is based on covalent bonding between nanotubes and POSS molecules. Electron microscopy studies reveal the attachment of a large amount of POSS to the functionalized MWCNTs. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses further verify the existence of covalent grafting of POSS onto nanotube walls through the formation of amide bonds. The improvement of functionality and thermal stability (up to 200 °C) of MWCNTs due to the proposed technique can make these MWCNT–POSS nanohybrids effective reinforcing materials for polymer matrices.